Flights to Richardson, Dallas from NT$24,470

If you're poorly prepared, traveling can be overwhelming. But don't hit the panic button just yet. Follow these handy hints for a stress-free start to your vacation in Richardson. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, put in your passport, travel documents, wallet and medications. Next, you'll want some extra in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a phone crammed with your favorite shows are some great options. If you plan to take a quick snooze, a quality neck pillow and some earplugs will also be useful. Finally, leave space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll arrive looking and feeling fresh.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don't have a Swiss Army knife hiding in one of the zippers of your hand luggage. Other restricted items include flammable or explosive goods, such as bleach and fuel, and liquids and gels in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your highest priority when deciding what to wear on your flight. Loose clothing is a smart option, as are flat, slightly roomy shoes.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clotting condition that can affect some passengers during long flights. Lower your risks by drinking water, keeping your legs and feet moving and wearing compression tights or socks.

Being prepared before you arrive at the airport will make your getaway to Richardson quick and painless. We've rounded up some top tips for a swift journey through security:

• Keep your boarding pass and passport within easy reach. They're the first items you'll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well sort of. Your belt, jacket, keys and other items in your pocket, like your earphones, will be required to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process easier by removing them before your turn.
• For just a few moments, you'll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic devices will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as toothpaste or perfume, that you want to bring on board need to be in containers no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), zip-lock bag.
• Lightweight sneakers are a practical footwear choice as you're less likely to be required to remove them when going through security. Hiking boots and other heavy shoes are often subjected to extra screening.
• Sharp items are prohibited in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.